Vibraphonist Steve Nelson to Perform at UW Nov. 17

Renowned vibraphonist Steve Nelson will perform Friday, Nov. 17, at 7:30 p.m. in the University of Wyoming’s Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts concert hall.

Tickets are $12 for the public, $8 for senior citizens and $6 for students. A nominal processing fee will be charged for each ticket. To purchase tickets, visit the Performing Arts box office, call (307) 766-6666 or go online at www.tix.com/ticket-sales/uwyo/6984.

The first set will feature Nelson performing alongside the Wyoming Jazz Ensemble, Wyoming’s premier big band. The second set will feature UW’s Live Edge Trio and Nelson performing music off their upcoming record. Live Edge Trio is composed of UW Department of Music faculty members Seth Lewis, bass; Ben Markley, piano; and Andy Wheelock, drums.

Widely acknowledged as one of the most highly regarded vibraphonists of his generation, Nelson is known for his inventive and fluidly harmonic approach. He began his career following the path blazed by his first major influence, Milt Jackson. After a college stint with guitarist Grant Green, Nelson performed and recorded with James Spaulding and Kenny Barron, before landing a spot in David “Fathead” Newman’s quintet.

Nelson has been the vibist of choice among some of jazz’s most iconic artists, including Johnny Griffin, Jackie McLean, Bobby Watson, Curtis Lundy, James Williams and Lewis Nash. He is a veteran member of Dave Holland’s quintet and big band, and the George Shearing Quintet. Additionally, he was a frequent collaborator with Mulgrew Miller on his Wingspan sextet. 

He has appeared on numerous recordings and at concerts and festivals worldwide, including the Newport Jazz Festival, the Montreux Jazz Festival, the Montreal International Jazz Festival and the Netherlands International Jazz Festival. 

Nelson is a dedicated educator with previous positions at Princeton University, William Paterson University and Conservatorium van Amsterdam. He is a 2021 Doris Duke Charitable Foundation-supported New Jazz Works commissioned composer.

For more information, call Kathy Kirkaldie, UW Fine Arts coordinator, at (307) 766-2160 or email kirisk@uwyo.edu.